Tympanic thermometer probe cover

ABSTRACT

A probe cover ( 20 ) is provided including a tubular body extending from a proximal end ( 24 ) to a distal end ( 26 ). The proximal end defines an opening configured for receipt of a distal end of a thermometer. The distal end of the tubular body is substantially enclosed by a film ( 36 ). The distal end includes at least one end rib ( 38 ) disposed about an inner circumference thereof. At least one end rib is configured to engage the distal end of the thermometer such that the distal end of the thermometer is spaced apart from the film. The body may extend in a tapered configuration from the proximal end to the distal end. The end rib can include a transverse portion disposed along a surface of the film. The end rib may include a longitudinal portion extending along the body. The longitudinal portion may extend proximally along the body and the transverse portion may project along a surface of the film such that the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion cooperate to receive the distal end of the thermometer. The body may define at least one longitudinal rib projecting from an inner surface thereof. The body may define at least one protuberance projecting from an inner and/or an outer surface thereof. The longitudinal rib and/or the protuberances can be configured to facilitate nesting of a second probe cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application incorporates by reference PCT Application No.PCT/US03/00224, Express Mail Label No. EV222416345US, filed in the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 6, 2003, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biomedicalthermometers, and more particularly, to a probe cover for a tympanicthermometer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Medical thermometers are typically employed to facilitate theprevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, body ailments, etc. forhumans and other animals, as is known. Doctors, nurses, parents, careproviders, etc. utilize thermometers to measure a subject's bodytemperature for detecting a fever, monitoring the subject's bodytemperature, etc. An accurate reading of a subject's body temperature isrequired for effective use and should be taken from the internal or coretemperature of a subject's body. Several thermometer devices are knownfor measuring a subject's body temperature, such as, for example, glass,electronic, ear (tympanic).

Glass thermometers, however, are very slow in making measurements,typically requiring several minutes to determine body temperature. Thiscan result in discomfort to the subject, and may be very troublesomewhen taking the temperature of a small child or an invalid. Further,glass thermometers are susceptible to error and are typically accurateonly to within a degree.

Electronic thermometers minimize measurement time and improve accuracyover glass thermometers. Electronic thermometers, however, still requireapproximately thirty (30) seconds before an accurate reading can betaken and may cause discomfort in placement as the thermometer devicemust be inserted into the subject's mouth, rectum or axilla.

Tympanic thermometers are generally considered by the medical communityto be superior for taking a subject's temperature. Tympanic thermometersprovide rapid and accurate readings of core temperature, overcoming thedisadvantages associated with other types of thermometers. Tympanicthermometers measure temperature by sensing infrared emissions from thetympanic membrane (eardrum) in the external ear canal. The temperatureof the tympanic membrane accurately represents the body's coretemperature. Further, measuring temperature in this manner only requiresa few seconds.

In operation, a tympanic thermometer is prepared for use and a probecover is mounted onto a sensing probe extending from a distal portion ofthe thermometer. The probe covers are hygienic to provide a sanitarybarrier and are disposable after use. A practitioner or other careprovider inserts a portion of the probe having the probe cover mountedthereon within a subject's outer ear canal to sense the infraredemissions from the tympanic membrane. The infrared light emitted fromthe tympanic membrane passes through a window of the probe cover and isdirected to the sensing probe by a waveguide. The window is typically atransparent portion of the probe cover and has a wavelength in the farinfrared range.

The practitioner presses a button or similar device to cause thethermometer to take a temperature measurement. The microelectronicsprocess electrical signals provided by the heat sensor to determineeardrum temperature and render a temperature measurement in a fewseconds or less. The probe is removed from the ear canal and the probecover discarded.

Known tympanic thermometers typically include a probe containing a heatsensor such as a thermopile, a pyroelectric heat sensor, etc. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,179,785, 6,186,959, and 5,820,264. These typesof heat sensors are particularly sensitive to the eardrum's radiant heatenergy.

The accuracy with which the sensing probe senses the infrared radiationemitted by the eardrum directly corresponds with the overall accuracy,repeatability and usability of the tympanic thermometer. The sensingprobe must be sensitive to the low level of infrared energy emitted byan eardrum while providing a high degree of accuracy, repeatability andthermal noise immunity.

Current tympanic thermometers employ probe covers that may adverselyaffect accuracy of a temperature reading. The probe cover window of theprobe cover typically engages the probe. Consequently, the distal end ofthe probe can become disadvantageously heated by the tympanic membrane.This may cause the sensing probe to detect radiation emitted from theheated distal end of the probe or other undesirable thermal noisereadings that can lead to inaccurate temperature measurement. Further,current probe cover designs suffer from other drawbacks, such as poorretention characteristics with the probe and subject discomfort wheninserted in the ear canal.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a probe cover for a tympanic thermometerthat minimizes heat transfer to the probe and enhances comfort to thesubject. It would be highly desirable if the probe cover was designedfor multiple stacking to facilitate storage. It is contemplated that theprobe cover is easily and efficiently fabricated.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a probe cover is provided for a tympanic thermometer thatminimizes heat transfer to the probe and enhances comfort to a subjectfor overcoming the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art.Desirably, the probe cover is capable of multiple stacking to facilitatestorage. The probe cover is easily and efficiently fabricated. Thepresent disclosure resolves related disadvantages and drawbacksexperienced in the art.

In one particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure, a probe cover is provided, including a tubular bodyextending from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end definesan opening configured for receipt of a distal end of a thermometer. Thedistal end of the tubular body is substantially enclosed by a film. Thedistal end includes at least one end rib disposed about an innercircumference thereof. The at least one end rib is configured to engagethe distal end of the thermometer such that the distal end of thethermometer is spaced apart from the film. An outer circumference of thedistal end of the body may have an arcuate surface. The distal end ofthe body may include a plurality of end ribs disposed about its innercircumference. The body may extend in a tapered configuration from theproximal end to the distal end.

The end rib can include a transverse portion disposed along a surface ofthe film. The end rib may include a longitudinal portion extending alongthe body. The longitudinal portion may extend proximally along the bodyand the transverse portion may project along a surface of the film suchthat the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion cooperate toreceive the distal end of the thermometer.

The body may define at least one longitudinal rib projecting from aninner surface thereof. The at least one longitudinal rib is proximallyspaced from the distal end of the body. The body may define a pluralityof longitudinal ribs projecting from an inner circumferential surfacethereof. The plurality of longitudinal ribs are proximally spaced fromthe distal end of the body. The longitudinal ribs can be configured tofacilitate nesting of a second probe cover.

Alternatively, the body may define at least one protuberance projectingfrom an inner surface thereof. The at least one protuberance isproximally spaced from the distal end of the body. The body can define aplurality of protuberances projecting from the inner circumferentialsurface thereof. The plurality of protuberances are proximally spacedfrom the distal end of the body. The protuberances can be configured tofacilitate nesting of a second probe cover.

Alternatively, the body may define at least one protuberance projectingfrom an outer surface thereof. The at least one protuberance isproximally spaced from the distal end of the body. The body can define aplurality of protuberances projecting from the outer circumferentialsurface thereof. The plurality of protuberances are proximally spacedfrom the distal end. The protuberances can be configured to facilitatenesting of a second probe cover. The body may also include a pluralityof protuberances projecting from the inner surface that are configuredto facilitate nesting with a third probe cover.

In an alternate embodiment, the probe cover includes a tubular bodyportion extending in a tapered configuration from a proximal end to adistal end. The proximal end defines an opening configured for receiptof a distal end of a tympanic thermometer. The distal end issubstantially enclosed by a film and includes a plurality of end ribsdisposed about an inner circumference of the body portion. The end ribshave a longitudinal portion extending proximally along the body portionand a transverse portion projecting along a transverse surface of thefilm. The longitudinal portion and the transverse portion are configuredto receivably engage the distal end of the tympanic thermometer forsupport therein such that the distal end of the tympanic thermometer isspaced apart from the film.

In another alternate embodiment, the body portion defines a plurality ofprotuberances projecting from an inner surface and an outer surface ofthe body portion. The protuberances are proximally spaced from thedistal end and disposed circumferentially about a wall of the bodyportion. The protuberances disposed on the outer surface are configuredto facilitate nesting of a second probe cover. The protuberancesdisposed on the inner surface are configured to facilitate nesting witha third probe cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believedto be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages, may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a probe cover, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the probe cover shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the probe cover, shown in FIG. 1,mounted to a tympanic thermometer;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer, shown in FIG.3, mounted to a holder;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the probe cover, shown in FIG. 1, inperspective;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an alternate cross-section of the probe cover, shown in FIG.1, in perspective;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the probe cover as mounted onto atympanic thermometer;

FIG. 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the indicated area ofdetail shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cassette that supports multiple probecovers, shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detailshown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the probe cover shown in FIG.1, nested with a second probe cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the probe cover and methods of usedisclosed are discussed in terms of medical thermometers for measuringbody temperature, and more particularly, in terms of a probe coveremployed with a tympanic thermometer that minimizes heat transfer to aprobe of a tympanic thermometer. It is contemplated that the probe coverof the present disclosure enhances comfort to a subject during bodytemperature measurement and minimizes disease, bacteria, etc.propagation. It is envisioned that the present disclosure findsapplication for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases,body ailments, etc. of a subject. It is further envisioned that theprinciples relating to the probe cover disclosed include easy andefficient storage thereof such as, for example, stacking and nesting ofmultiple probe covers.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of a structure that is closer to a practitioner, while the term“distal” will refer to the portion that is further from thepractitioner. As used herein, the term “subject” refers to a humanpatient or other animal having its body temperature measured. Accordingto the present disclosure, the term “practitioner” refers to a doctor,nurse, parent or other care provider utilizing a tympanic thermometer tomeasure a subject's body temperature, and may include support personnel.

The component portions of the probe cover, which is disposable, arefabricated from materials suitable for measuring body temperature viathe tympanic membrane with a tympanic thermometer measuring apparatus.These materials may include, for example, plastic materials, such as,for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., depending on theparticular temperature measurement application and/or preference of apractitioner. For example, a body of the probe cover can be fabricatedfrom high density polyethylene (HDPE).

The probe cover has a window portion or film that can be fabricated froma material substantially transparent to infrared radiation andimpervious to moisture, ear wax, bacteria, etc. The film, for example,is fabricated from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and has a thicknessin the range of 0.0005 to 0.001 inches, although other ranges arecontemplated. The film may be semi-rigid or flexible, and can bemonolithically formed with the remaining portion of the probe cover orintegrally connected thereto via, for example, thermal welding, etc. Oneskilled in the art, however, will realize that other materials andfabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture of the probecover, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would beappropriate.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.Turning now to the figures wherein like components are designated bylike reference numerals throughout the several views and initially toFIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a probe cover 20, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

Probe cover 20 defines a longitudinal axis x and includes a cylindricaltubular body 22, which extends in a tapered configuration from aproximal end 24 to a distal end 26. This design advantageously enhancescomfort to a subject (not shown) during a temperature measurementprocedure. It is contemplated that probe cover 20 may be generallycylindrical, frustoconical or otherwise tapered or curved for insertionwithin the ear of the subject. Proximal end 24 defines an opening 28configured for receipt of a distal end 30 of a tympanic thermometer 32,such as, for example, a heat sensing probe 34. Heat sensing probe 34 isconfigured to detect infrared energy emitted by the tympanic membrane ofthe subject.

It is contemplated that tympanic thermometer 32 may include a waveguideto facilitate sensing of the tympanic membrane heat energy. Tympanicthermometer 32 is releasably mounted in a holder 33 for storage incontemplation for use. Tympanic thermometer 32 and holder 33 may befabricated from semi-rigid, rigid plastic and/or metal materialssuitable for temperature measurement and related use. It is envisionedthat holder 33 may include the electronics necessary to facilitatepowering of tympanic thermometer 32, including, for example, batterycharging capability, etc.

Distal end 26 is substantially enclosed by a film 36. Film 36 issubstantially transparent to infrared radiation and configured tofacilitate sensing of infrared emissions by heat sensing probe 34. Film36 is advantageously impervious to ear wax, moisture and bacteria toprevent disease propagation. Distal end 26 includes end ribs 38 (FIG. 5)disposed about an inner circumferential surface 40 of tubular body 22.End ribs 38 are configured to engage heat sensing probe 34 such thatheat sensing probe 34 is spaced apart from film 36, as will bediscussed. As probe cover 20 is mounted onto heat sensing probe 34, endribs 38 deform to cause film 36 to become radially taught, smooth andfree of wrinkles. This configuration advantageously minimizes heattransfer to heat sensing probe 34 to avoid distorted readings andinterference from thermal noise. Thus, accuracy is improved duringtemperature measurement. End ribs 38 provide strength to probe cover 20facilitating compliance of distal end 26 for enhancing comfort to thesubject during insertion into an ear canal of the subject.

Tubular body 22 has an outer circumferential surface 42. Outercircumferential surface 42 includes an arcuate surface 44 adjacentdistal end 26. Arcuate surface 44 enhances comfort and facilitatesinsertion of probe cover 20 with the ear canal. Arcuate surface 44 mayhave varying degrees of curvature according to the particularrequirements of a temperature measurement application.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, end ribs 38 have a longitudinal portion 46extending proximally along inner circumferential surface 40 of tubularbody 22. Longitudinal portion 46 projects a thickness a and extends alength b along inner surface 40. Thickness a and length b facilitatesupport and engagement with heat sensing probe 34. It is envisioned thatlongitudinal portion 46 may have various thickness and length accordingto the particular temperature measurement application.

End ribs 38 have a transverse portion 50 projecting along a transversesurface 51, relative to longitudinal axis x, of film 36. Transverseportion 50 projects a thickness c and extends a length d alongtransverse surface 51 toward longitudinal axis x. Thickness c and lengthd facilitate support and engagement with heat sensing probe 34. It isenvisioned that transverse portion 50 may have various thickness andlength.

Longitudinal portion 46 and transverse portion 50 are configured toreceivably engage heat sensing probe 34 for support therein such thatheat sensing probe 34 is spaced apart from film 36. Thickness c providesthe depth necessary to create an air/fluid gap or cavity between heatsensing probe 34 and film 36. This configuration prevents undesiredengagement of film 36 with heat sensing probe 34. Advantageously, thisdesign improves accuracy of temperature measurements and avoidsdistorted readings due to thermal noise, etc. It is contemplated thatprobe cover 20 may employ one or a plurality of end ribs 38. A proximalface 50 a of the transverse portion 50 abuts the distal end 30 of thethermometer 32 when engaged with the probe cover 20 to keep the distalend 30 of the thermometer 32 spaced from the film 36.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, body 22 defines longitudinal ribs 52 projectingfrom inner circumferential surface 40 and being proximally spaced fromdistal end 26. Longitudinal ribs 52 project a thickness e and extend alength f from inner circumferential surface 40. Longitudinal ribs 52define a transverse face 53 that is configured to engage heat sensingprobe 34. Thickness e, length f and transverse face 53 facilitateretention of probe cover 20 with heat sensing probe, 34. Longitudinalribs 52 also provide a gap of separation between heat sensing probe 34and outer circumferential surface 42, which is in close proximity to thetympanic membrane. This configuration minimizes undesirable heating ofheat sensing probe 34. It is contemplated that one or a plurality oflongitudinal ribs 52 may be used.

As shown at FIGS. 7, 8, 8A and 8B, body 22 defines inner protuberances54 projecting from inner circumferential surface 40 and being proximallyspaced from distal end 26. Inner protuberances 54 have an ellipticalconfiguration including a width g (FIG. 8 shows ½ g due to thecross-section view) that is relatively larger than a height h. Innerprotuberances 54 have a radial curvature projecting a thickness i frominner circumferential surface 40 for engaging heat sensing probe 34.Inner protuberances 54 facilitate retention of probe cover 20 with heatsensing probe 34. Inner protuberances 54 provide a gap 55 of separationbetween heat sensing probe 34 and the tympanic membrane. Thisconfiguration minimizes undesired heating of heat sensing probe 34. Itis contemplated that one of a plurality of inner protuberances 54 may beused. Longitudinal ribs 52 and inner protuberances 54 may be variouslydimensioned according to the particular requirements of a temperaturemeasurement application.

Body 22 defines outer protuberances 56 projecting from outercircumferential surface 42 and being proximally spaced from distal end26. Outer protuberances 56 have a width j that is relatively smallerthan a height k. Outer protuberances 56 have a radial curvatureprojecting a thickness l from outer circumferential surface 42. Outerprotuberances 56 facilitate stacking and resting of multiple probecovers 20 for storage, as will be discussed. It is contemplated that oneor a plurality of protuberances 56 may be used.

Probe cover 20 includes a flange 58 disposed adjacent proximal end 24.Flange 58 is formed about the circumference of proximal end 24 providingstrength and stability for mounting of probe cover 20 with tympanicthermometer 32. Flange 58 also facilitates packaging of multiple probecovers, as will be discussed.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, probe covers 20, similar to that described,are fabricated, prepared for storage, shipment and use. It is envisionedthat probe covers 20 may be sterilized. Probe covers 20 are provided viaa cassette 60. Cassette 60, including probe covers 20, are fabricatedfor releasable attachment therewith. Flange 58 of probe covers 20 isattached to cassette 60 via stems 62. Stems 62 are frangible such that aprobe cover 20 is removed from cassette 60 by twisting probe cover 20,in the direction shown by arrows A. Twist or rotation of probe cover 20causes stems 62 to plastically deform and break from cassette 60. Othermethods of manipulation of probe covers 20 may be used for removal.Cassette 60 can be discarded after probe covers 20 are removed.

Probe covers 20 are attached and stored for easy and efficient use withtympanic thermometer 32 (FIG. 3). Probe covers 20 are configured fornesting with a second, third, fourth, etc. probe cover 20. For example,as shown in FIG. 12, a first probe cover 20 a is nested with a secondprobe cover 20 b in a stacked configuration such that innerprotuberances 54 of first probe cover 20 a are caused to engage distalend 26 of probe cover 20 b. Outer protuberances 56 of probe cover 20 bare caused to engage longitudinal ribs 52 of probe cover 20 a. Thisconfiguration facilitates nesting of multiple probe covers 20.Engagement of protuberances 54, 56 with an adjacent stacked probe cover20 facilitates sufficient retention between probe covers 20 a, b fornesting. This design also prevents probe cover 20 b from becoming toofar imbedded in adjacent probe cover 20 a such that separation would notbe possible.

Tympanic thermometer 32 is manipulated and removed from holder 33. Withprobe covers 20 a and 20 b in a nested configuration, heat sensing probe34 of tympanic thermometer 32 is inserted within probe cover 20 b. Innerprotuberances 54, longitudinal ribs 52 and end ribs 38 engage heatsensing probe 34 for retention with probe cover 20 b. This configurationprovides sufficient retention between heat sensing probe 34 and probecover 20 b so that probe cover 20 b is retained with heat sensing probe34 and probe cover 20 b is separated from probe cover 20 a. Thus, theretention strength of inner protuberances 54, longitudinal ribs 52 andend ribs 38 with heat sensing probe 34 is greater than the retentionstrength between protuberances 54, 56 and adjacent probe cover 20 a.

Probe cover 20 b is mounted with heat sensing probe 34 and film 36 isseparated from direct engagement with heat sensing probe 34 via the airgap 55 created therebetween (FIGS. 8A and 8B). End ribs 38 engage heatsensing probe 34 to form the air gap 55 between probe 34 and film 36.This prevents undesired heat transfer to probe 34 to avoid distortedreadings and thermal noise interference. This configurationadvantageously facilitates a more accurate temperature measurement.Longitudinal ribs 52, inner protuberances 54 and outer protuberances 56similarly prevent heat transfer to heat transfer probe 34 and provideretention strength therewith.

In operation, to measure a subject's (not shown) body temperature, apractitioner (not shown) pulls the subject's ear back gently tostraighten the ear canal so that heat sensing probe 34 can visualize thetympanic membrane for reading body temperature via infrared emissions.Tympanic thermometer 32 is manipulated by the practitioner such that aportion of probe cover 20, mounted to heat sensing probe 34, is easilyand comfortably inserted within the subject's outer ear canal. Heatsensing probe 34 is properly positioned to sense infrared emissions fromthe tympanic membrane that reflect the subject's body temperature.Infrared light emitted from the tympanic membrane passes through film 36and is directed to heat sensing probe 34.

The practitioner presses button 64 of tympanic thermometer 32 for asufficient period of time (typically 3-10 seconds) such that heatsensing probe 34 accurately senses infrared emissions from the tympanicmembrane. Microelectronics of tympanic thermometer 32 process electronicsignals provided by heat sensing probe 34 to determine the subject'sbody temperature. The microelectronics cause tympanic thermometer 32 torender body temperature measurement in a few seconds or less. Probecover 20 is removed from heat sensing probe 34 and discarded.

Tympanic thermometer 32 may be reused and another probe cover, such as,probe cover 20 a may be mounted to heat sensing probe 34. Thus, probecovers 20 provide a sanitary barrier to heat sensing probe 34 to preventdisease propagation from bacteria, etc. Other methods of use of tympanicthermometer 32 and probe cover 20 are envisioned, such as, for example,alternative positioning, orientation, etc.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A probe cover comprising: a tubular body portion extending in atapered configuration from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximalend defining an opening configured for receipt of a distal end of atympanic thermometer, and the distal end being substantially enclosed bya film and including a plurality of non-continuous end ribs beingcircumferentially spaced apart and disposed about an innercircumferential surface thereof, the end ribs having a longitudinalportion extending proximally along the tubular body portion and atransverse portion being transverse relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe tubular body and projecting along a transverse surface of the film,the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion being configured toreceivably engage the distal end of the tympanic thermometer for supporttherein such that the distal end of the tympanic thermometer is spacedapart from the film at a predetermined space, wherein the predeterminedspace is defined by the distance from a proximal face of the transverseportion to the film.
 2. A probe cover as recited in claim 1, wherein anouter circumference of the distal end of the body has an arcuatesurface.
 3. A probe cover as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of longitudinal ribs are being proximally spaced from thedistal end of the body.
 4. A probe cover as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of longitudinal ribs projecting from the innercircumferential surface and being proximally spaced from the distal endof the body.
 5. A probe cover as recited in claim 4, wherein thelongitudinal ribs are configured to facilitate nesting of a second probecover.
 6. A probe cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the body definesat least one protuberance projecting from an inner surface thereof, theleast one protuberance being proximally spaced from the distal end ofthe body.
 7. A probe cover as recited in claim 1, wherein the bodydefines a plurality of protuberances projecting from an innercircumferential surface thereof, the plurality of protuberances beingproximally spaced from the distal end of the body.
 8. A probe cover asrecited in claim 7, wherein the protuberances are configured tofacilitate nesting of a second probe cover.
 9. A probe cover as recitedin claim 1, wherein the body defines at least one protuberanceprojecting from an outer surface thereof, the at least one protuberancebeing proximally spaced from the distal end of the body.
 10. A probecover as recited in claim 1, wherein the body defines a plurality ofprotuberances projecting from an outer circumferential surface thereof,the plurality of protuberances being proximally spaced from the distalend of the body.
 11. A probe cover as recited in claim 10, wherein theprotuberances are configured to facilitate nesting of a second probecover.
 12. A probe cover as recited in claim 11, wherein the bodydefines a plurality of protuberances projecting from an inner surfacethereof and being proximally spaced from the distal end of the body, theprotuberances being configured to facilitate nesting with a third probecover.
 13. A probe cover comprising: a tubular body portion extending ina tapered configuration from a proximal end to a distal end, theproximal end defining an opening configured for receipt of a distal endof a tympanic thermometer, and the distal end being substantiallyenclosed by a film and including a plurality of non-continuous end ribsbeing circumferentially spaced apart and disposed about an innercircumferential surface thereof, the end ribs having a longitudinalportion extending proximally along the tubular body portion and atransverse portion being transverse relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe tubular body and projecting along a transverse surface of the film,the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion being configured toreceivably engage the distal end of the tympanic thermometer for supporttherein such that the distal end of the tympanic thermometer is spacedapart from the film at a predetermined space, wherein the predeterminedspace is defined by a thickness of the transverse portion.
 14. A probecover comprising: a tubular body portion extending in a taperedconfiguration from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal enddefining an opening configured for receipt of a distal end of a tympanicthermometer, and the distal end being substantially enclosed by a filmand including a plurality of non-continuous end ribs beingcircumferentially spaced apart and disposed about an innercircumferential surface thereof, the end ribs having a longitudinalportion extending proximally along the tubular body portion and atransverse portion being transverse relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe tubular body and projecting along a transverse surface of the film,the longitudinal portion and the transverse portion being configured toreceivably engage the distal end of the tympanic thermometer for supporttherein such that the distal end of the tympanic thermometer is spacedapart from the film at a predetermined space, wherein the predeterminedspace is determined by the location of the transverse portion relativeto the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.